Vienna
Completed

Discover 'Die fünfte Säule': A Group Exhibition Exploring Architecture at Secession

This 2011 exhibition featured international artists engaging with the Secession's space and the 'White Cube' concept.

Explore 'Die fünfte Säule' at the Secession, an influential 2011 group exhibition that invited seven international artists to respond to the iconic building's architecture. The curated works questioned the 'neutrality status' of the exhibition space, integrating installations, sculptures, and conceptual pieces with the site's rich history. This thought-provoking collection delved into themes of 'rebuilding' and institutional critique.

About Die fünfte Säule at Secession in Vienna

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Die fünfte Säule at Secession in Vienna

Exhibition summary

This group exhibition, titled 'Die fünfte Säule' (The Fifth Pillar), features seven international artists across three generations. It delves into the concept of 'rebuilding' and the 'neutrality status' of the White Cube, using the Secession building's architecture as a central theme. The exhibition showcases a range of works, including installations, sculptures, and conceptual pieces, that engage with the site's history and physical space.

Curatorial context

The group exhibition 'Die fünfte Säule' (The Fifth Pillar), curated by Moritz Küng, was held at the Secession from September 9 to November 20, 2011. The exhibition title enigmatically refers to the central pillars of the main room, which were renovated in 1985/86 and subsequently covered. Küng's concept involved restoring these pillars to their original state after 20 years, thereby questioning the 'neutrality status' of the exhibition space. The exhibition featured works by seven international artists from three generations, including Cerith Wyn Evans, Dora García, and Peter Downsbrough. These artists created or adapted 24 works—such as light and sound installations, sculptures, objects, murals, artist books, performances, and videos—that explicitly responded to the Secession's specific qualities, its history, architecture, and perceived deficits. A notable aspect was the partial reconstruction of Heimo Zobernig's 1995 work 'Untitled (1995/2011)', which, using the Secession's own modular wall system, reflected on the institution's history and Zobernig's artistic journey. The exhibition aimed to bring the building's 'genius loci' into awareness, prompting a reconsideration of postmodernism through the lens of conservation, repair, and adaptation.

Admission and ticket notes

Information and ticketing links are available, directing visitors to an external ticketing platform for booking. The page also notes that the Secession is open daily, with specific hours mentioned, but details about exhibition-specific pricing or entry requirements are not explicitly provided within this exhibition description itself, implying general museum admission or ticket purchase through the linked service.

Die fünfte Säule key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Die fünfte Säule at Secession in Vienna

Venue
Secession
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Sep 9, 2011 – Nov 20, 2011
Artist line / attribution
The exhibition featured contributions from Luz Broto, Peter Downsbrough, Dora García, Cerith Wyn Evans, Guillaume Leblon, Joëlle Tuerlinckx, and Heimo Zobernig, with texts by Ferdinand Schmatz and architectural contributions from Adolf Krischanitz.
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